U.S. patent number 5,041,025 [Application Number 07/473,010] was granted by the patent office on 1991-08-20 for interconnectable components employing a multi-positionable key.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Thomas & Betts Corporation. Invention is credited to Louis F. Haitmanek.
United States Patent |
5,041,025 |
Haitmanek |
August 20, 1991 |
Interconnectable components employing a multi-positionable key
Abstract
A keying arrangement for interconnectable components is
disclosed. The keying arrangement is particularly useful for fiber
optic connector assemblies having a receptacle connector with key
projections integrally formed therewith in one of plural different
key positions. These key positions may be dictated by an industry
standard. A plug connector of the assembly includes a
multi-positionable key element. The key element is positionable in
plural different orientations to provide keyways which uniquely
accommodate one of the key projections defining the plural
different key positions of the receptacle connector. Rotative
movement of the key element within the plug connector provides the
plural different orientations and thereby the plural keyways.
Inventors: |
Haitmanek; Louis F. (Florham
Park, NJ) |
Assignee: |
Thomas & Betts Corporation
(Bridgewater, NJ)
|
Family
ID: |
23877812 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/473,010 |
Filed: |
January 31, 1990 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
439/681;
439/354 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R
13/6456 (20130101); G02B 6/3831 (20130101); G02B
6/3878 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H01R
13/645 (20060101); H01R 013/64 () |
Field of
Search: |
;439/354,677,678,679,680,681 ;350/96.20,96.21,96.22 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Abrams; Neil
Assistant Examiner: Nguyen; Kheim
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Rodrick; Robert M. Abbruzzese;
Salvatore J.
Claims
I claim:
1. A connector assembly for transmission components comprising:
a first connector supporting a first transmission component;
said first connector having a cavity and a parallelpiped-shaped key
element insertably accommodated in said cavity of said first
conector in four different key element positions; said key element
including a T-shaped recess for providing in each of said four key
element positions a keyway; and
a second connector supporting a second transmission component and
matingly engageable with said first connector; said second
connector having a key projection positioned for unique reception
in one of said keyways of said first connector.
2. A connector assembly of claim 1 further including means for
securing said key element in said cavity of said first
connector.
3. A connector assembly of claim 2 wherein said first connector
comprises a base, a cover and means for attaching said cover to
said base.
4. A connector assembly of claim 3 wherein said means for attaching
said cover to said base includes said means for securing said key
element in said cavity.
5. A connector assembly of claim 1 wherein said first and second
transmission components are optical fibers.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to components having keying means
thereon to permit matched intermateability of one component with
another. More particularly, the present invention relates to
transmission cable connectors having keying elements thereon.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The need for keying interconnectable components is well known.
There is a special need in the electrical/electronic area to
provide for the keyed interconnection of one component to another.
These components may be connectors which terminate electrical or
fiber optic cable which when connected provide for transmission of
signals therebetween. The connector art has seen a wide variety of
techniques for matching together connectors which are to be mated
to one another. These techniques include, for example, interfitting
parts such as matching projections and recesses which permit a
matched set of components to be interconnected while preventing the
interconnection of similar connectors which are not intended to be
interconnected. Many connectors include these mating projections
and recesses formed integrally with the connector housing at
various preselected positions. Thus, one particular type of housing
would be manufactured for interconnection with another connector
specifically designed for interconnection therewith.
An advance in keyed connectors is achieved by providing connectors
manufactured to accommodate separated projections at various
locations thereon. Thus, after manufacture, each connector could be
separately keyed to mate with differently keyed mating connectors.
While the latter technique improves upon the former in that it
reduces the necessity of manufacturing individually keyed
connectors, removable keys of this type have several limitations.
Numerous keys must be formed having different shapes and sizes to
distinguish one key from another. Alternatively, numerous key
positions must be provided on the connector to provide the same
distinguishing characteristics. In addition, removable keys
typically provide no function to the connector structure other then
providing a means for keyed interconnection. Therefore the keys are
often misplaced or not used thereby rendering the intended keying
function unless.
It is therefore desirable to provide a connector structure having a
single key which provides plural mutually exclusive key positions.
It is also desirable to provide a keying device for a connector
structure whereby the key is necessary for proper operation of the
connector structure thereby avoiding inadvertent absence of the key
in the connector structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an
improved technique for keying interconnectable components.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a key
for interconnectable components which is positionable in one
connector structure and provides in various orientations plural
mutually exclusive key positions.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a
removable key for a connector structure, the proper positioning of
which is necessary for the operation of the connector
structure.
In the efficient attainment of these and other objects, the present
invention provides a connector assembly for the interconnection of
transmission components. A first connector supporting a first
transmission component including a multi-positioned key, removably
supported in the first connector. This single key is positionable
on the first connector in plural different orientations, each
orientation providing a keyway mutually exclusive from the others.
A second connector supports a second transmission component and has
a key projection which is integrally positioned in one of four
different key positions. Each keyway of the first connector
uniquely accommodates one of the projection positions of the second
connector. Each different key orientation of the first connector is
distinguished from the others by rotative repositioning of the
single key on the first connector.
As shown by way of the preferred embodiment herein, the projection
of the second connector is located at one of plural different
keying positions. The single key of the first connector is
positionable on the first connector in one of plural different
positions to accommodate in mutually exclusive fashion, each of the
plural different projection key positions of the second
connector.
More specifically, the first connector includes a cover and a base
which are secured together by securement means. The key of the
first connector comprises part of the securement means so that
proper operation of the first connector necessitates inclusion of
the key.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the plug and receptacle connectors
capable of employing the keying arrangement of the present
invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective showing of the key element of the present
invention.
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a portion of the plug connector of
FIG. 1, particularly showing a recess which accommodates the key
element of FIG. 2.
FIGS. 4A through D and 5A through D show schematically four
different orientations of the key element shown in FIG. 2 supported
in the recess shown in FIG. 3 for connection with the corresponding
mating connector of the type shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT:
FIG. 1 shows connection assembly 1 of the present invention
including a male plug connector 10 and a female receptacle
connector 12. In accordance with the present invention, plug
connector 10 and receptacle connector 12 may be any type of
electrical/electronic connector suitable for terminating
transmission cable. As particularly shown herein plug connector 10
and receptacle connector 12 are optical fiber connectors,
facilitating the interconnection of one or more optical fibers
thereby permitting optical transmission therebetween.
Plug connector 10 terminates a duplex fiber optic cable 14 which
supports a pair of optical fibers individually terminated at one
end with fiber optic ferrules 15a and 15b. Receptacle connector 12
terminates a pair of optical fibers 16a and 16b which are prepared
for optical connection with ferrules 15a and 15b, respectively.
While optical fiber connectors are shown as the preferred
embodiment herein, it is understood that the present invention may
be practiced with other types of connectors such as electrical
connectors which terminates conventional copper wire.
The basic configuration of plug connector 10 and receptacle
connector 12 conform to an industry standard compiled by the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and commonly referred
to as the Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI). The purpose of
industry standards, especially those involving electrical or
optical connectors, is to assure a certain degree of conformity
among various manufactures of similar components. Thus, an end user
having components sold by one manufacture would be able to
interconnnect to devices having components made by another
manufacturer. While the internal structure may vary as among
manufacturers, the outer dimensions as well as the mechanical
interaction between the components will be standardized in
accordance with this FDDI Standard.
Plug connector 10 includes an elongate generally rectangular body
having a cable receiving end 18 and an opposed connection face 20.
Receptacle connector 12 is similarly an elongate rectangular member
having a cable receiving end 22, an opposed open interconnection
face 24 and a central cavity 26. Plug connector 10 is inserted into
the open face 24 of receptacle connector 12 to lie within cavity
26. This disposes ferrules 15a and 15b in optical alignment with
cable 16a and 16b, respectively.
Describing in more detail plug connector 10, the rectangular body
is formed by a cover 13 and base 15 (shown inverted in FIG. 1)
which snap together in conventional fashion. A securement screw 17
is used to hold cover 13 to base 15. A pair of deflectable latches
28a and 28b include latch ears 29a and 29b (not shown) which permit
mechanical coupling of plug connector 10 in receptacle connector
12. A bend limiting element 32 extends rearwardly from the cable
receiving end 18 of plug connector 10 to prevent overflexing of
duplex cable 14.
Plug connector 10 further includes a central keying trough 49 which
extends along base 15 from connection face 20 toward cable
receiving end 18. Trough 49 includes a central square cavity 52
which is provided for receipt of a key element 50 which will be
described in detail hereinbelow.
Receptacle connector 12 includes a pair of latch openings 31a and
31b which accommodate respectively latch ears 29a and 29b of plug
connector 10 and secure plug connector 10 in receptacle connector
12. Mounting shoulders 27a and 27b permit receptacle connector 12
to be mounted horizontally or vertically as may be necessary in
use.
Shown in phantom in FIG. 1, receptacle connector 12 includes an
elongate key projection generally denoted as 40. Key projection 40
extends along the undersurface of an upper wall 34 of receptacle
connector 12. Key projection 40 is accommodated in trough 49 of
plug connector 10 upon interconnection. The precise shape and
location of key projection 40 as will be described hereinbelow, it
dictated by the particular key arrangement desired.
The purpose of the connection assembly 1, as set forth in the FDDI
Standard, is for use in a token ring network for the transmission
of data in a closed loop among numerous stations. The arrangement
of each station varies to accommodate the users needs. In addition
to standardizing the shape and interconnection functions of these
connectors, consideration has also been given to standardizing the
keyability of these connectors. Again, standardization of the
keying is necessary to permit interchangeability of components of
various manufacturers. FIGS. 4A through 4D show one set of standard
key arrangements set forth by the FDDI Standard for receptacle
connector 12. Shown in partial schematic view, the key position in
FIG. 4A is a small rectangular key projection 40a centrally
depending from the undersurface of upper wall 34. Shown in FIG. 4B,
a second key position is denoted by a rectangular projection key
40b positioned slightly right to center. Similarly, FIG. 4C shows a
third key position including a rectangular key projection 40c
disposed slightly left of center. A fourth key position shown in
FIG. 4D includes a centrally disposed key projection 40d which is
substantially wider then centrally disposed projection 40a of FIG.
4A. While four key positions are shown as forming part of the
above-identified FDDI standard, it, however, may be understood that
other key positions are possible.
Referring again to FIG. 1, to permit keyed accommodation of plug
connector 10 into receptacle connector 12, the present invention
employs a key element 50 which is positionable in central cavity 52
of plug connector 10. Key element 50 as well as cavity 52 are shown
in greater detail in FIGS. 2 and 3.
As shown in FIG. 2, key element 50 is generally parallelepiped in
shape including six major surfaces labeled (A) through (F) in FIG.
2 for clarity. Key element 50 includes a central threaded aperture
54 which accommodates threaded screw 17 as will be described in
further detail hereinbelow. As shown in FIG. 2, upper surface (E)
of key element 50 includes a T-shaped recess 56 which, when
arranged in cavity 52, defines separate keyways for accommodating
the key projections 40 of receptacle connector 12.
Referring to FIG. 3, cavity 52 is of a shape complimentary to key
element 50 and includes a central aperture 58 for alignment with
threaded aperture 54 of key element 50. Cavity 52 includes a raised
floor portion 60 in the shape of a T which is complimentary in
shape to recess 56 of key element 50. Cavity 52 is designed to
receive key element 50 with central aperture 58 in alignment with
threaded aperture 54 so as to receive threaded screw 17 (FIG. 1)
which also secures key element 50 in recess 56. The shape of key
element 50 and cavity 52 are selected so as prevent rotation of key
element 50 within cavity 52.
Key element 50 is positionable in cavity 52 in plural orientations.
Each orientation differs from another by rotative movement of key
element 50. FIGS. 5A through 5D define four distinct positions of
key element 50 within cavity 52 which define four different keyways
corresponding respectively to the four differrent key positions of
plug connector 10 shown in FIGS. 4A through 4D.
In FIG. 5A, key element 50 is positioned within cavity 52 such that
a first keyway 70 is formed. Keyway 70 defined by a portion of
T-shaped recess 56 (FIG. 2) is centrally disposed. Keyway 70 is
formed by positioning key element 50 in cavity 52 with surface C
positioned as a front face and with surface E as the upper face and
surface F as the lower face. In this position, keyway 70 will
uniquely accommodate the first key position of rectangular
connector 12 defined by rectangular projection 40a. Rotation of key
50 from the position shown in 5A to the position shown in 5B
defines a second keyway 72 which uniquely accommodates the second
key position of receptacle connector 12 defined by rectangular
projection 40b. Position of key element 50 in FIG. 5B is achieved
by rotation of key element 50 90 degrees about central vertical
axis V shown in FIG. 2. Thus, in the position shown in FIG. 5B,
surface B is now the front face. A third key element position is
shown in FIG. 5C. Keyway 74 is formed by rotation of key element 50
about central vertical axis V 90 degrees in a direction opposite
from that achieved for the position shown in FIG. 5B. In this
position, with surface D being the front face, keyway 74
accommodates the third key position of receptacle connector 12
defined by rectangular projection 40c. To achieve a fourth key
element position, key element 50 is rotated 180 degrees from the
position shown in FIG. 5A about horizontal axis H (FIG. 2) so that
raised floor portion 60 is accommodated by T-shaped recess 56 (FIG.
2). Surface C remains as the front face and surface F is the upper
face. A fourth keyway, 76 is formed which is complimentary to the
fourth key position of receptacle connector 12 defined by
rectangular projection 40d.
It can be seen that each of the keyways 70-76 shown in FIGS. 5A
through 5D uniquely accommodate one of the key positions shown in
FIGS. 4A through 4D. For example, when key element 50 is positioned
as shown in FIG. 5A, only receptacle connector 12 having
rectangular projection 40a as shown in FIG. 4A will be accommodated
therein. The other key positions shown in FIGS. 4B through 4D will
be prevented from being interconnected therewith.
It is understood that key element 50 may take other configurations
which would provide differently positioned keyways. The present
invention is not limited to the particular shape of key element 50
or the four keyways defined therby. Rather, the present invention
provides a key element which in a single structure defines plural
keyways, each keyway being uniquely defined by rotative positioning
of a single key element in the cavity.
A further feature of the present invention includes the manner of
securement of key element 50 to base 15 of plug connector 12. As
mentioned above with respect to FIG. 1, cover 13 is held to base 15
by screw 17. Securement of screw 17 is achieved by screw engagement
with the threaded aperture 54 of key element 50. In practice key
element 50 also functions as a securement nut. The cover 13 cannot
be properly secured to base 15 without use of securement screw 17
and key element 50. Thus, the key element 50 cannot be
inadvertently left out from the assembly of plug connector 10.
Various changes to the foregoing described and shown structures
would not be evident to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the
particularly disclosed scope of the invention is set forth in the
following claims.
* * * * *